• Norway and Croatia join the EPC

1 April 2008

• Fine for late payment of renewal fees increased from 10% to 50%

• Excess claims fees revised and increased from €45 for each claim in excess of 10 to €200 for each claim in excess of 15

• Other fees also increased

• Designations fees replaced by a flat rate fee of €500 to designate all Contracting States

• Excess claims fees increased for each claim in excess of 50 from €200 to €500

• Per page fee for applications longer than 35 pages introduced

• Per page printing fee for patents longer than 35 pages abolished